Written by Shirley Parenteau
After reading Ship of Dolls, about the Friendship Dolls exchange between America and Japan in 1926, I was excited to read this companion novel, Dolls of Hope, telling the story from the Japanese side. The characters are so vivid you immediately immerse yourself in the story with them. The customs and traditions of this period in history have been perfectly captured. Chiyo is amazing as she grows into who she is truly meant to be in the changing times of 1926 Japan. I think readers will love her and this story.
Little does 11 year old Chiyo Tamura realize how her life is about to change. She hides in a basket that is on a cart, taking her family from their small mountain village to the prosperous home of Yamada Nori who is to marry her sister. When she is found out, Chiyo is sent to a girls’ school in the city of Tsuchiura to learn proper decorum for a young Japanese girl.
Review by Renee Larsen, Hillside Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★★ (5 stars)
Interest Level: Grades 3-6
Dolls of Hope
Written by Shirley Parenteau
Candlewick Press
317 pages
Release Date: September 22, 2015
